Not Done Yet

In this conversation, author Amanda Amaral, turns ADHD, overthinking, and oversharing into a powerful case for leaning into who you really are, especially if you’ve ever felt too much, too scattered, or not enough. Amanda opens up about the whirlwind of becoming a published author, the childhood breadcrumbs that led her there, and why her rhyming children’s book, My Invisible Friend ADHD, is designed to help kids and parents see ADHD as something more human, more relatable, and less stigmatized. From grade-school poems and freestyle battles to storytelling and book launches, she traces the through line of creativity that was always there, even when she didn’t recognize it. You’ll hear her unpack:

• Why she frames ADHD as an “invisible friend” instead of a disorder
• How late diagnosis reshaped the way she understood herself
• The difference between writing for joy and writing under the pressure of public expectations
• Why she refuses to let AI replace human creativity in books and art
• How speaking candidly about burnout, motherhood, and imperfection actually helps other people feel less alone

She also shares what winning the 2026 Kitchener-Waterloo Oktoberfest Woman of the Year award felt like, what it means to build confidence while still battling imposter syndrome, and why she believes kids should be encouraged to focus on their gifts instead of only fixing their weaknesses. If you’ve ever wondered whether your quirks are holding you back or quietly pointing you toward your purpose, this episode will hit home. Essential listening for creatives, parents, teachers, and anyone trying to build a life that feels more authentic, less performative, and finally aligned with what they’re actually good at.

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The belief that “I’m just bad at this” can shape your choices for years, until you start questioning it. In this episode of Not Done Yet, Franziska talks about growing up with strong academic expectations, leaving the high school IB program, and finding her own path through fitness, further education, and entrepreneurship. She shares how feeling insecure about her body and wanting to prove she was strong enough helped lead her to the gym. Later, a change in mindset helped her return to school and excel — challenging the limits she once placed on herself. Her journey didn’t follow the corporate career she imagined, but it did lead her to build a life that feels like her own. The conversation also explores starting a fitness business during COVID, training with empathy rather than judgment, and helping clients focus on sustainable health instead of quick fixes. Franziska opens up about vulnerability, family, identity, and why healing rarely moves in a straight line. She also reflects on the surprising role piano played in helping her express feelings during times when life felt out of her control. If you’ve ever felt defined by an old belief or someone else’s expectations, this episode is a reminder that your path can change, and that you don’t have to have it all figured out to take the next step.

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Good morning, good afternoon, good evening, and goodnight from wherever you are! 

It's been a while since I've published a podcast episode. And that isn't to say I haven't recorded any because I definitely have, but I just haven't enjoyed the final product. However, this felt like the realest, unscripted (yet prepared) episode that I've delivered. I hope you've been able to resonate with a few things that I've talked about in this episode. And if you're anything like me, you give great feedback but struggle to apply your own. In this episode I talk about getting out of your own, not needing to sound perfect (because no one really does), being okay starting where you are, with what you have, and understanding that everyone's timing is different.

Share with a friend or someone who you think could relate! Enjoy!

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Grief does not wait for a funeral, and parenthood does not end when the diaper stage is over. Quincy opens up about the quiet, uncomfortable truths most people avoid - watching your parents age, realizing time is moving faster than you want it to, and deciding what it really means to be present for the people you love. He starts with anticipatory grief, the strange feeling that shows up before loss does, especially when you see a once larger-than-life parent in a new, more fragile stage of life. Quincy shares what it feels like to watch his father, now approaching 82, remain active and sharp while also needing a little more help than before, and why a passing comment about renewing a passport sparked a deeper reckoning with mortality, legacy, and time. You’ll hear him unpack:

• why anticipatory grief is so rarely named, even though so many people feel it
• how becoming a parent changes the way you see your own aging and your parents' aging
• the conversation he had with his father that helped him understand him in a deeper, more human way
•  why he’s questioning the pressure to have multiple children and finding peace with the possibility of having one
• how he thinks about balancing fatherhood, personal purpose, and the desire to serve others

Quincy also reflects on the emotional math of family planning - the space, money, support, and energy required to raise a child - and why "more" is not automatically better for every family. He speaks candidly about appreciating parents more now that he knows firsthand how much it takes to show up every day, and why he wants to give his daughter the lessons he learned later in life, earlier than he did. The episode closes with a personal admission: one of the biggest things he failed at this week was not listening well enough during an argument with his wife. That honesty gives the conversation its most relatable edge, reminding listeners that growth often starts with owning where you missed the mark. If you’ve ever felt the weight of time, the pressure of family expectations, or the tension between caring for everyone else and still making room for yourself, this one will hit home. Essential listening for parents, adult children, and anyone trying to make peace with change before life forces the issue.

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AI is making content cleaner, faster, and eerily alike - but it may also be stripping away the one thing that makes people stop and listen: your voice. Quincy opens up about why he’s rethinking the way he creates Not Done Yet and why this episode is a reset back to something messier, more human, and far more powerful. He shares the moment he realized polished perfection was costing him the very thing that made the podcast feel alive. What started as a tool to improve his work became a habit of over-editing, over-curating, and slowly sounding less like himself. That tension becomes the heart of this episode: when does help become a crutch, and what do you lose when you let AI shape too much of your voice? You’ll hear Quincy unpack:

• Why the first three episodes of the podcast still feel like the strongest
• How AI can help, but also flatten personality, curiosity, and spontaneity
• Why mistakes, pauses, and imperfections can make a conversation more real
• What it means to lead with authenticity, vulnerability, and compassion instead of polish
• Why “the horse’s heart” might be a better way to think about honest communication than “the horse’s mouth” 

This episode is a reminder that no one can think, speak, or create exactly like you. In a world of increasingly polished outputs, your raw perspective is not a flaw - it’s the advantage. And if you’ve ever felt your own work getting too curated, too safe, or too generic, this conversation will hit home. Essential listening for creators, podcasters, writers, and anyone trying to sound more like themselves in a world that keeps pushing sameness. Quincy closes by making a simple but powerful case: your voice is the point, and the more you trust it, the more it becomes your superpower.

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Sometimes the most loving thing someone can do is refuse to cosign your excuses. Quincy shares the moment a simple, unsentimental response changed how he sees conflict, setbacks, and the truth we all need to hear. If you’ve ever been tempted to play the victim after a setback, a hard conversation, or a plan falling apart, this one hits home. Quincy opens up about launching a personal training business during COVID, losing the space, and realizing that what felt like a dead end was actually a turning point. You’ll discover:

• Why “saying what needs to be said” is harder than most people admit
• How one person’s silence can communicate more truth than sympathy
• The difference between agreement and real care
• Why paradoxes matter when two opposite things can both be true
• How Brene Brown’s idea of “Paradox in the Human Spirit” reframes hard truth
• Why harsh-sounding feedback can create better long-term results

Quincy makes the case that we’ve become too comfortable with easy agreement and too quick to avoid discomfort. Sometimes the perspective you resist at first is the one that helps you move forward, pivot smarter, and stop shrinking your own story. This episode is a reminder that truth is not always gentle, but it can be deeply kind. Essential listening if you need a reset, a new perspective, or a nudge to stop waiting for someone else to validate your next move.

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Are you tired of second-guessing every post, every decision, fearing the judgment of how others might perceive you? Quincy uncovers the truth: chasing everyone's validation not only drains your energy but also stifles your authentic self. In this powerful episode, he reveals why human nature makes us crave acceptance, and how to let go of that need to find freedom, fulfillment, and real connection. You’ll discover how the instinct to fit in was hardwired for survival—and how that mental shift still impacts us today. Quincy shares stories from launching his personal training business during COVID, illustrating how the fear of rejection was almost overwhelming.

Why does this matter? Because the cost of trying to please everyone is your peace of mind, your creativity, and your genuine connections. When you release the need for approval, you unlock your true potential, connect more deeply with those who resonate with your message, and create without fear.Whether you're an entrepreneur, creator, or anyone striving to make an impact, this episode provides the blueprint to free yourself from external validation and step into your authentic power. It’s time to stop holding yourself back, your real audience is waiting.

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Most of us wait for the perfect moment and never actually start. But what if the key to success isn’t perfect conditions, it’s starting despite the mess? In this episode of Not Done Yet, Quincy reveals why waiting for ideal circumstances is a trap that keeps you stuck, with a powerful metaphor: running outside in the rain. You’ll discover how perfection is a moving target that never truly arrives, and how every obstacle along the way actually prepares you for future challenges. We break down the mindset shift you need: how training in messy conditions builds resilience, and why some of the world’s most successful companies launched during economic downturns when everyone else hesitated. Learn the real meaning of "starting messy" and how it’s the only way to progress. If you’re tired of waiting for the perfect time to [start that business, make that hard call, create that project], this episode is your wake-up call. Because the moment you decide to act despite the chaos, you set yourself up to win. This isn’t just motivation, it's a practical blueprint for turning obstacles into opportunities. Perfect for anyone feeling overwhelmed by uncertainty or stuck in analysis paralysis. This episode reminds you: you don’t need clear skies to begin, just an umbrella and a reason to step outside. Are you ready to stop waiting and start growing? Tune in and learn how embracing the messy moments sets the foundation for unstoppable progress.

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Most of us forget the true beauty of starting from scratch, that being a beginner is not a flaw, but a fundamental part of growth.
Imagine giving yourself permission to be "bad" at something new without shame or self-criticism. What if the messy, uncertain first steps are actually the keys to unlocking your best version?
In this episode of Not Done Yet, Quincy reminds us that the fear of looking silly or failing keeps us stucK. Yet everyone, from world-class athletes like LeBron James to podcasters in their first season, had to start somewhere. You’ll discover why embracing vulnerability and imperfection accelerates your progress, how social media’s polished facade distorts our expectations, and the surprising truth that most successful people’s early efforts were downright ugly. We break down the power of the "beginner's freedom" — the patience, curiosity, and resilience that come with embracing your novice season.
You’ll learn practical steps to ditch perfectionism, why social comparison is a trap, and how to reframe your failures as stepping stones rather than setbacks. Living in the beginner’s mindset isn’t just liberating, it's essential for real growth and joy in the process.
If you're holding back to avoid looking silly or afraid of failing publicly, this episode might just change your perspective. It’s perfect for anyone feeling stuck, starting something new, or craving the courage to live more authentically.

Remember: nobody ever skipped the beginning. The greatest successes are built on countless messy, imperfect starts. Ready to embrace your next chapter? Tune in, and give yourself permission to be a beginner.

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Most of us hesitate just before taking a chance that could change everything, but what if the secret is simply shooting your shot and being okay with whatever happens?

In this raw, unscripted episode, Quincy  shares a personal story about summoning the courage to reach out to a high-profile guest, and getting a response that stunned him. This is about more than just podcasting; it’s a powerful reminder that the biggest wins often come from taking the leap, no matter how unlikely success seems. You’ll discover how the simple act of sending that one email transformed Quincy’s perspective on risk and rejection. He breaks down the pivotal mindset shift from “what if I fail” to “at least I tried,” emphasizing that every “no” brings you closer to a “yes.” We delve into the importance of preparation, persistence, and the peace that comes with trying, regardless of the outcome. Whether you're contemplating a career move, asking someone out, or launching a new project, this episode fuels your courage to go for it. You'll learn practical insights on handling rejection, why it’s not personal, and how every attempt shapes your growth. Quincy shares nuggets of wisdom about why many never act out of fear or self-doubt, and how to reframe failure as progress. With scenes from NBA star Steph Curry to everyday risk-takers, the episode illustrates that preparation and persistence are the perfect teammates for shooting your shot. This episode matters because, in a world quick to dismiss rejection, your willingness to try anyway is what truly sets you apart. The opportunity to unlock new doors, relationships, or success stories is always within reach if you're willing to take the shot and accept whatever comes next. Perfect for anyone feeling stuck, underqualified, or hesitant to ask for what they want. If you’re ready to embrace uncertainty and turn dreams into reality, this episode is your catalyst. Because when you shoot your shot — even if you miss — you gain clarity, courage, and momentum. Are you ready to shoot your shot? Remember: the only way you’ll know what’s possible is by trying. Hit play and let this story inspire your next move.

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